[London] The reason why I come to Kanada-Ya? The Truffle Ramen.

A search on “London’s Best Ramen” delivers similar results, such as Kanada-Ya, Shoryu, Bone Daddies, Tonkotsu, Ippudo, Nanban and Taro.

Every entry I found listed Kanada-Ya. Have to go, right?

Known for its authenticity at this part of the world, Kanada-Ya is a Japanese ramen restaurant with a couple of locations in central London – with one being in Piccadilly, the other in Covent Garden. (I also spotted at branch in Hong Kong at 34 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay.)

The story of Chef Kanada illustrated on its website showed that he is a fighter, from a professional Keirin Race to ramen student, owner with many setbacks, and finally opening a shop in London with success.

Typically attracting a queue, the interior is small and simple which can accommodate about 15 to 20 diners.

Kanada-Ya’s signature Tonkotsu Ramen (£10.50, SGD19) consists of an 18-hour pork bone broth, chashu pork belly, nori, hand-pulled noodles, wood ear fungus, spring onions and a secret sauce.

Exclusive to London’s branch is the Tonkotsu X (£10.50, SGD19) with pork and corn fed chicken bone broth.

Perhaps it was also because of the cold weather, the Truffle Ramen (£14.00) turned out to be better than expected. My imaginery went “tonkotsu broth plus truffle oil”, but somehow they just got the balance right.

The broth in slight creaminess, was appetisingly smooth and flavourful. To me, this is similar to those very good ramen I had in Japan.

The porcini truffle paste and white truffle oil, added a faint scent which thankfully didn’t smell too artificial.

I also enjoyed the thin wheat noodles which had a firm, eggy bite.

The other favourite is the Gekikara Ramen (£13.00, SGD23.50) – the highlight in the form of a ball of minced pork akin to a spicy “Tan Tan” noodles.

All that chilli came as a surprise. So the Londoners can take this level of spiciness, which could possibly cause some to break out in sweat.

I tried a number of ramen eateries in London. Let’s just say if I can pick another to return to, it would be Kanada-Ya.

Besides the ramen dishes, the restaurant also offers a variety of tasty sides such as Karaage, Aburi Chashu and an extensive drinks menu that features authentic Japanese beers, hot and cold sake, and whiskey.

Though I would probably skip the extremely salty Truffle Edamame (£4, SGD7.24) and head straight for the Truffle Ramen.

Kanada-Ya – Covent Garden
64 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8LE, UK
Tel: +44 20 7240 0232
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3 pm, 5pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), 12pm – 8:30pm (Sun)
Google Maps – Kanada-Ya

Kanada-Ya – Haymarket
3 Panton Street, Soho London SW1Y 4DL (Piccadilly)

Kanda-Ya – Angel
35 Upper Street London N1 OPN

Click HERE for other LONDON Food Entries

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”Don Don Don Donki, Don Don Donki…” I always wanted to ask a Don Don Donki staff what it would be like to hear that hypnotic song, every day, every hour of the shift.

Anyway, if you are a fan of all things Japanese, then you will be excited to hear Don Don Donki will be bringing its quirky and convenient retail experience to 100AM Mall, Tanjong Pagar.

The second store in Singapore will open on the 14th of June (Thursday) at 10am, and regular opening hours will be from 8am till 12 midnight.

This will gel well with the Itadakimasu Singapore concept upstairs – occupied with Japanese restaurants such as Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi (Tanjong Pagar) and Ramen Keisuke Tori King.

Similar to its Orchard Central counterpart, the new store will also cover two floors in 100AM Mall.

The product offerings will be a range of food and non-food categories, including a robust beauty and wellness offering.

Ah… to appeal to the OL (office ladies) in the vicinity.

Will they buy a box of uni to ta-bao back to office?

The one highlight item to get would be Ichiran Instant Ramen 一蘭 in packets.

Well, not quite the actual thing, but at least we don’t have to bother friends to “tom-pang” boxes from Hong Kong and Japan anymore.

A box of 5 packets is sold at $39.90. Perhaps you would like to consider that too.

(Some online websites offer it at about $38.50, while you can purchase it from Japan at ¥2,000 (SGD24.17) or Hong Kong at HKD198 (SGD33.73).

Unique to the 100AM outlet is a new “Japan Mobile Foods” retail concept that focuses on a selection of food items for the busy crowd in the CBD.

There will be many bite-sized food items for office workers to have, while multi-tasking.

And in case you are wonder, yes, that Japanese Sweet Potato will also be sold. The price is about $2.80 per piece, depending on the season. Expect long queues.

Don Don Donki – Tanjong Pagar
100AM Mall Tanjong Pagar, 100 Tras Street Singapore 079027
Opening Hours: 8am – 12am (First day opening: 10am)

Don Don Donki – Orchard
Orchard Central B1 & B2, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 24/7

Other Related Entries
Don Don Donki (Orchard Central)
Hokkaido Marche (Orchard Central)
11 Must Try Japanese Restaurants At Millenia Walk
6 Best Japanese Restaurant Clusters In Singapore
Japan Foods Garden (Shaw Centre)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights.

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Suddenly Japanese pancakes are getting back in trend in Singapore, with the opening of Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville at Bugis Junction, and Riz Labo Kitchen at Wisma Atria the next month.

Purely coincidental, I guess.

Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville originated from Osaka Japan, with its popular flagship store located at Umeda Whity. This Singapore branch is its first overseas outpost.

Just so you known, the brand is brought in by the team behind Châteraisé in Singapore.

The pancake café is known for its meringue made-to-order millefeuille (French for “thousand layers”) pancakes, included with homemade whipped Hokkaido cream, stacked from 2 to 8 layers.

No, they don’t really wobble so you don’t have to waste the effort shaking your plate.

Priced from $11.90 to $16.20, varieties include Strawberry and Mixed Berry Pancake, Mango Pancake, Grilled Apple with Homemade Caramel Pancake, Matcha with Rice Ball and Red Bean Pancake, and Chocolate with Grilled Banana Pancake.

Before I visited the café, I imagined it would be hard to replicate the vibes and quality of Japan’s.

That changed when I was greeted by an earnest and polite Japanese server early in the morning, into a small, cosy space with playing bossa nova tunes of Lisa Ono.

The Matcha Pancake ($12.20 for stack of 4) was surprisingly delightful (really, I wasn’t expecting much due to a couple of buang cases previously), with soft texture that almost melted in the mouth, and overall not too sweet.

Other accompanying ingredients such as the pure and light Hokkaido cream, azuki red bean, shiratama mocha and black honey all worked together to enhance the flavours, and added that distinctive Japanese quality.

For savoury items, you can get some Katsu Sandwich ($6.20, $9.70 with set) with crispy fried pork in white bread drizzled with tangy Tonkatsu sauce.

Slight warning though: Despite being the only customer in the shop, the pancakes took a while about 20 minutes or so as they made from scratch upon order.

And there were only two staff in the shop. (So IF this entry goes viral, the small café may get pretty crowded with corresponding long waiting time – don’t blame me!)

Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville
Bugis Junction #01-01B, Towers 230 Victoria Street Singapore 188024 (Bugis MRT Exit C, facing Victoria Street, under the giant TV screen)
Tel: +65 6255 5456
Opening Hours: 8am – 8.30 pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Riz Labo Kitchen (Wisma Atria)
Châteraisé Café (Toa Payoh)
Dutch Baby Pancakes (Paragon)
Eggs n’ Things Singapore (Plaza Singapura)
Kyushu Pancake (Novena)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Belle-Ville – Popular Japanese Pancake Cafe From Osaka Opens In Singapore, Brought By Team Behind Châteraisé appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Keisuke just opened a new Ramen Champon concept at International Plaza, Tanjong Pagar – his favourite turf. It is one “i” away from Ramen Champion.

Champon King is his 14th outlet in Singapore. And if you may ask, my personal favourites of the group are Ramen Keisuke Lobster King at Clarke Quay, and Keisuke Kani King at Orchard Cineleisure.

Though standards can be differing from time to time.

While the website states that this is the first Champon ramen specialty shop in Singapore, technically Ajisen opened an Ajino Chanpon back in 2010 (I wrote a review then for HungryGoWhere, so I remember), but that didn’t work out.

Chanpon noodles is a regional cuisine of Nagasaki, Japan, made by frying seafood, pork, vegetables and other ingredients together.

It really means mixing a variety of things together. Interesting, there is a theory that says that the word “champon” comes from the Hokkien word “chiak-peng” which implies “eating a meal”.

There are 3 variations of Champon Ramen offered – Yama Champon ($13.90), Umi Champon ($14.90), King Champon ($15.90).

Each bowl variation comes with 10 basic ingredients which includes quail eggs, pork belly, Japanese fish cake, deep fried fish cake, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, carrot, onion, black fungus, and spinach.

That is a lot of stuff.

I ordered the King Champon ($17.90 with egg) and expectedly found it a very filling meal. Despite being the guy my size, I couldn’t finish the portion.

Perhaps it has something to do with the beansprouts I piled up while waiting.

The enjoyable part was the silky-creamy thick pork and chicken based broth, that required at least 6 hours of simmering.

It would be hard to find someone who would actually like all the ingredients in the bowl. If you are the sort that would pick out an ingredient or two, then this concept may not be for you.

The more delightful things were the seafood of prawn, squid and clam, didn’t mind the extra cabbage which added some sweetness, though I didn’t fancy the chicken gizzards.

But personal preference, there were just too many things going on that I would just prefer a straight-forward bowl.

Ramen Keisuke Champon King
#01-02 International Plaza, 10 Anson Road Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 6224 2234
Opening Hours: 11am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 10pm Daily

Other Related Entries
10 NEW Ramen Shops In Singapore
Satsuma Shimuja 薩摩思無邪 (Tanjong Pagar)
Ginza Kamo Soba Kyudaime Keisuke (Holland Village)
Kanshoku Ramen Bar (Northpoint City)
Ramen Nagi (Suntec City)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Another ramen store with a “Michelin Bib Gourmand” status from Tokyo, has landed in Singapore at CHIJMES.

What stands out for Konjiki Hototogisu is that base is cooked using Hamaguri clams and pork broth, resulting in that unique clear soup with full-bodied flavour.

Konjiki Hototogisu, founded in 2006 by Chef Atsushi Yamamoto in Tokyo, was a small 8-seater shop awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand title consecutively from 2015 to 2018.

It was also the Number 1 Ramen in Tokyo for 2016 and 2017 as well as the Number 1 Ramen in the whole of Japan in 2016. (The Shibuya store is listed “permanently closed” on Google, and seems to have moved to Shinjuku 新宿2-4-1第22宮庭マンション1階105号.)

Before we get gushing all over “Michelin”, I find that sometimes the word is over-used and becomes a double-edged sword. Just to get things clear, the Bib Gourmand represents places which offer “exceptionally good food at moderate prices”.

Many shops which are listed and recommended and not necessary starred, use “Michelin” to their advantage to imply a certain quality.

Perhaps I do sound slightly jaded, and would be frank to admit I approached this ramen shop with a sceptical mind.

There was already a long line when I arrived at 6pm, and queued for about half an hour before getting in.

The offerings were straight-forward, and included Shoyu Hamaguri Soup Ramen ($14.90) and Tonkotsu Original Ramen ($13.90).

Other items such as the Shio Hamaguri ($14.90) and Tonkotsu Smoke and Pepper Ramen ($13.90) would be offered at later dates.

Chef Atsushi Yamamoto could be spotted at a corner in a fitted camo-uniform T-shirt, with focused eyes and precise movements, completing a crucial step of the ramen cooking.

And oh, the Shoyu Hamaguri Soup Ramen went beyond my expectations.

The bowl contained Sous Vide Cha Shu and Thick Belly Cha Shu, both thin and were perhaps less consequential than the soup base garnished with black truffle pasta, porcini oil and porcini flakes.

While the broth might look clear and unintimidating, it had a complex layered yet harmonising flavour which was extremely comforting.

The truffle doesn’t hit you like it screams for attention, but comes across delicately and subtlety.

Also, the soup was hot – the right kind of temperate hot, and not lukewarm like what many other ramen stores in Singapore offer (Sorry.)

The two areas I thought could have been improved were the Egg – expensive at $2 and tasted rather unmarinated despite being brown in appearance; and that the soy sauce base could be rich and distracts from the sweetness of the clams.

It reminded me of the bowls at Tsuta and Kanshoku Ramen Bar.

A friend cornered me to an answer, and I replied ”One point higher than Tsuta’s”. At least the last bowl I had.

While Singapore diners generally prefer Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90), this version was not the rich and creamy type, lighter than the average.

Okay. So surprisingly good bowl of ramen, that is not Tonkotsu.

My next worry? If standards can still be consistent if Chef Yamamoto is not around in the local store. We shall see.

Konjiki Hototogisu Singapore
CHIJMES #01-17, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996 (City Hall MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9.00pm Daily (Soft-launch hours)

Other Related Entries
Tsuta Singapore (Pacific Plaza)
Kanshoku Ramen Bar (ION Orchard)
Ramen Nagi (Suntec City)
Ramen Keisuke Champon King (International Plaza)
Men-Men Tei (Marina One)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Another ramen restaurant opens in Singapore, though this is rather under-the-radar.

Originally from Osaka, Ebi-Tori Menzo which in Japanese actually means “shrimp and chicken noodle warehouse” is a rather new dining establishment in Japan that started their business in 2016.

Their first outpost in Singapore is located at
South Beach Avenue and can be best described as a mid-sized eatery that specialises in both chicken ramen and shrimp tsukemen.

For those who not know, the difference between tsukemen and ramen, is that tsukemen is a form of “dipping noodles” which consist of the noodles eaten after being dipped in a separate bowl of soup or broth.

It is commonly consumed during summertime.

Didn’t order the Signature Ebi Tsukeme ($17.90), but it did look like it had many ingredients, from char siew, leeks, tomatoes, cress, sweet potato, and lemon.

The rich broths used are cooked slow-boiling shrimp shells, vegetables for more for a couple of hours to create that thick and creamy broth.

For those more keen on soup ramen, offerings include Shio Chicken Ramen ($15.90), Shoyu Chicken ($15.90), Ebi Ramen ($16.90), Paikou Ramen ($16.90) with options of straight noodles or flat noodles.

I went for the Ebi Ramen ($16.90) which came not quite like what I was expecting.

The broth was towards the rich side, reminding me of lobster bisque in terms of its consistency but without that distinct seafood savour.

Notice that there was a slice of baguette in the soup – to be dipped further into the soup, which was peculiar. Don’t see that often here in Singapore.

I read that the ramen was initially inspired by Italian cuisine which explained its texture.

However, I found the entire combination with the thick noodles too heavy and rich for my liking.

It wasn’t to the extent of cloying, but with the noodle proportionally too much for the soup.

Also, the soup wasn’t as hot as expected, and thus would coagulate quickly if consumed slowly under the air-con temperature. But I can understand some may like this style because it departs from the usual tonkotsu.

The Shoyu Chicken Ramen ($15.90) came in a dark-sauce reminiscent of the ”tao you bak (dark soya sauce meat) that I would find in a Teochew porridge stall.

This could potentially be different and tasty, but the base was on the saltier side and thus some may find it hard to finishing slurping as well.

Ebi Tori Menzo Singapore may represent some novel forms of tsukemen and ramen that would appeal to those who love a bit of Italian, and a bit of Japanese.

The South Beach Tower outlet is easily reachable via Esplanade MRT station, located right next to Caffe Vergnano 1892.

Ebi-Tori Menzo (South Beach)
South Beach Tower, 26 Beach Road,#B1-18 South Beach Avenue, Singapore 189767 (Esplanade MRT)
Tel: +65 98800519
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm and 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon-Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Konjiki Hototogisu Singapore (CHIJMES)
Satsuma Shimuja 薩摩思無邪 (Tanjong Pagar)
Ginza Kamo Soba Kyudaime Keisuke (Holland Village)
Men-Men Tei (Marina One)
Ramen Keisuke Champon King (International Plaza)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Japanese Curry Rice on a whopping 34cm diameter plate, piled with ingredients of Pork Katsu, Fried Fish, Pork Shabu-Shabu, Tempura Shrimp AND Cheese.

They did not call this restaurant “Monster Curry” for nothing.

(Click PLAY for highlights of Monster Curry.)

Monster Curry is a Japanese chain of restaurants that specializes in monster-sized curries at value-for-money pricing. Its signature Pork Katsu Curry for example, is priced at $13 for that size.

Be ready with your appetite when you visit any of its 12 outlets all over Singapore, with its next one opening at Velocity @ Novena on the 21st of July.

Known as the only Japanese restaurant in Singapore that serves a “demi-glace” curry sauce, the Monster Curry trademark slow-cooked sauce is rich, flavourful, and deep brown, and often paired with golden-fried pork, chicken or seafood.

Complementing this curry sauce is their hot sauce, an in-house concoction of chili padi, garlic, ginger, and celery.

You can set your preferred level of spiciness in all dishes at Monster Curry: normal, extra, very, super and monster hot! (insert fire emoji here)

Founder Raymond Ng keeps the brand fresh (and exciting!) by setting new trends for diners to enjoy Japanese cuisine.

Aside from their signature curries, Monster Curry’s constantly introduces new items in the menu such as pasta, salads, honey toasts, a wide selection of coffee art & frappes and other beverages.

Here are some of the recommendations from Monster Curry:

Roast Beef Curry Rice Set ($13.80, U.P. $22.80), *Inclusive of Iced Lemon Tea
The Great Singapore Sale special, with the Premium Roast Beef Curry Rice Set with Iced Lemon Tea at $13.80++ only.

What you get includes slices of tender roast beef on a bed of fluffy egg and rice, poured with the signature curry sauce on the side.

Now, what makes that curry special?

It is the time and skills that went into preparing it. First it has got 14 different spices and vegetables.

It is cooked close to boiling point for 6 hours at each time on an open fire for a total of 48 hours. This brings out a deep umami flavour.

Then, the sauce rests for another 24 hours. This allows acids to evaporate, resulting in a sauce that is smooth, balanced, and full-bodied.

There is saltiness and bitterness in the finished sauce, which harmoniously blends with the rice, egg and meats.

The Roast Beef Curry Rice Set promotion is only available till 31st July 2018, at all outlets except Monster Curry Junior at 313@somerset.

Monster Combo Curry Rice ($25)
You can also enjoy this meticulously-prepared curry sauce in any of their Curry Combos – talked-about for the humongous plates (of up to 34cm in diameter!) carrying a generous range of ingredients.

Recommended is the Monster Combo Curry ($25.00), large enough for 2 or perhaps even 3 diners. Or 1 very hungry person.

Half of your plate is slathered with THE curry sauce, and you get generous portions of pork katsu, fried fish, pork shabu-shabu, tempura, and cheese.

The cheese is further torched so that it melts over the slab of golden deep-fried pork.

Of all the components within, I enjoyed the fried fish most for its crispy light batter and juicy flesh within.

The Best of Both Worlds ($14)
The Best of Both Worlds ($14.00) combines Jumbo Ebi Prawns and Pork Sausages on a bed of fluffy omelet, topped with Curry and Tomato Sauce, finished off with a sprinkling of grated mozzarella.

The Tomato Sauce added the element of sweet tanginess into the mix, which made it quite refreshing.

Pork Shabu-Shabu Curry ($14)
If you prefer something lighter and not-deep-fried, recommended is the Pork Shabu-Shabu Curry which is topped with thinly sliced pork belly (usually meant for shabu shabu or sukiyaki) on runny omelette and rice.

Pork Katsu Curry Ramen ($16.80) Available at Suntec City, Jurong Point, Parkway Parade, Downtown Gallery, Bugis Junction and Tampines One outlets
The ramen comes loaded with egg, bamboo shoots, sweet corn, and fungus. The pork katsu is placed in a separate plate such that it stays crisp and will not turn soggy due to the curry.

Perfect for colder days and evenings.

Seafood Fantasy Pasta ($10.80)
I would not have expected pasta dishes in a Japanese curry shop, but now you know.

Available offerings include Pasta Feast ($10.80) cooked Aglio Olio style; Tomato Indulgence ($8.80) with chicken, mushroom, and broccoli cooked in tomato sauce; Japanese Carbonara ($8.80), Gastro Squid Ink Pasta ($10.80) and Prawny Shrooms ($10.80).

The recommended Seafood Fantasy ($10.80) was similar to a Marinara pasta, a value-for-money plate with addition of fresh seafood such as prawns, scallops and crabstick cooked in a tomato cream sauce with al dente spaghetti.

Mixed Berry Honey Toast ($10.80) Available at all Monster Curry outlets (except ION Orchard) from 2pm – 6pm
Shibuya-style Honey Toast in flavours of mixed Berries, Tangy Mango, Caramel with Marshmallows, and Chocolate Banana, topped with a scoop of Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

This Japanese dessert treat consists of cubes of buttery crisp French Toast bread, sweet fruits (blueberry and strawberries in this case), whipped cream, strawberry sauce beneath the premium ice cream.

Sweet dreams are made of this.

The branch at OUE Downtown Gallery on Shenton Way is one of its newest, housed on Level 1 between Venue by Sebastian and Express by Chatterbox.

It sports a signage “Monster Curry & Café” above a row of wine bottles, quite different from the other Monster Curry stores with its screaming red-and-yellow logo with a fire-breathing 7-headed monster.

The design is Japanese minimalist with wood and brick elements. The interiors have relaxing hues of natural wood, green, and cream.

You have different seating configuration, from bar stools, booth seats, to long couches.

It also has an exclusive Tapas Specialty menu, available daily after 5pm.

You can find more than 20 kinds of small plates like Soft Shell Crabs, Truffle Fries, Fried Camembert Cheese, Iberico Pork Rib, Pan Fried Gyoza, Grilled Salmon Belly, and Sausage Platter.

Much more than what you expect.

50% OFF Monster Curry Weekday Lunch Time Promotion (Available all outlets except OUE Downtown Gallery)
Get the Chicken Katsu Curry, Pork Katsu Curry, Jumbo Premium Ebi Salad, Big Fish Curry Sets at 50% OFF ($13.80++, U.P. $27.40).

The unbeatable deal includes Soup of the Day, Drink and Single Scoop of Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream.

Valid from Monday to Friday, 11:00am to 5:30pm for dine-in only.

Monster Curry (OUE Downtown Gallery)
Downtown Gallery #01-03, 6A Shenton Way, Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6221 3933
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily (except for Lunar New Year)
info@monstercurry.com.sg
www.monstercurry.com.sg
www.facebook.com/Monster Curry

Other Monster Curry outlets:
ION Orchard: 2 Orchard Turn #B4-52, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 4555

NEX Serangoon: 23 Serangoon Central #B1-08, Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 2168

VivoCity: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #02-126/127/129, Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6221 3308

Jurong Point 2: 63 Jurong West Central 3, Jurong Point 2 #03-57, Singapore 648331
Tel: +65 6316 6319

Parkway Parade: 80 Marine Parade Road #01-11, Singapore 449269
Tel: +65 6348 6171

Tampines 1: 10 Tampines Central 1, #02-09/10, Singapore 529526
Tel: +65 6509 9968

Suntec City: 3 Temasek Boulevard #02-377/378, Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6358 2377

JEM: 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #02-06, Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6734 2123

Bugis Junction: 200 Victoria Street #B1-04, Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 6266 1708

Northpoint City: 1 Northpoint Drive #B1-102, Singapore 768019
Tel: +65 6778 1102

Velocity@Novena Square 238 Thomson Road, #02-78/79, Singapore 307683
(opening 21st July 18 Saturday)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Monster Curry.

The post Monster Curry – Premium Roast Beef Japanese Curry Rice At $13.80, Plus 50% OFF Weekday Lunch Sets appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

How does all-you-can-eat Japanese hotpot with unlimited servings of Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, Premium Queen Crab, and Iberico Kurobota Pork sound?

EN Sakaba is a modern Izakaya offering authentic Japanese fare for lunch and dinner, and has introduced a delectable Japanese Hotpot Buffet for a limited period only.

(Click PLAY for video highlights of EN Sakaba’s Miyazaki Wagyu & Premium Queen Crab Japanese Hotpot Buffet.)

Operating 4 outlets in Singapore, its flagship store is located in the 52-storey Capital Tower in the Shenton Way-Tanjong Pagar financial district. The other 3 branches are at JEM, Clarke Quay, and Orchard Central.

This brand is anchored on 4 pillars: Izakaya. Sake. Wine. Bistro. Its concept falls somewhere between a tachinomiya (standing bar) and izakaya (bar with seats). “Sakaba” is Japanese for “bar”.

Founder & Managing Director Raymond Ng reveals and takes pride in their ingredients, which come from the finest sources direct from Japan.

All meats used in the restaurant undergo limited handling and processing during delivery so they remain fresh.

Tired of the usual and yearning for an unforgettable culinary experience? Well, you’re in for a treat.

EN Sakaba is one of the few restaurants carrying the award-winning Grade A5 Champion Miyazaki Wagyu.

For a limited time, the Japan No. 1 Miyazaki Wagyu & Premium Queen Crab Hotpot 90 Minutes Buffet is available for only $78++ (usual price $108++ per pax).

Now, that’s a steal.

A lighter version of this, without the buffet is also offered. You can have the Miyazaki Wagyu & Premium Queen Crab Hotpot Set at $58++ per pax (U.P. $88++/pax).

But now let’s zoom in at what you’re getting at Japan No. 1 Miyazaki Wagyu and Premium Queen Crab Hotpot Buffet 10 Food Items To Expect At En Sakaba’s “Japan No.1 Miyazaki Wagyu & Premium Queen Crab Hotpot Buffet:

1. Miyazaki Wagyu Beef
To earn the name “Miyazakigyu”, the wagyu beef must at least meet Grade A4.

EN Sakaba goes beyond and offers you A5 Wagyu Beef from Miyazakigyu in Japan, directly from ranch to plate.

This hand-selected beef passed 5 requirements in all key grading categories. It is the crème de la crème, winning 1st place in the 9th and 10th Japanese Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu.

(Fun fact: The Miyazaki Wagyu has once beat the beef from Kobe and Matsuzaka to become the overall winner – winning seven out of the nine contests – at Japan’s National Wagyu Award. Miyazaki Wagyu has been called “Japan’s Number One Beef” ever since.)

Just check out that beautiful cherry red colour and marbling.

Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and great dense meat taste was absolutely satisfying, so that it didn’t need any of the additional ponzu and goma sauces given.

Just a note: be careful not to overcook the beef as it just needed light swishing in the hot broth.

At first we thought that there could be just too much food, but my petite-sized female friend actually finished 3 quarters of the wagyu slices ON HER OWN.

2. Premium Queen Crab
Another highlight of this hotpot buffet is the free flow premium Queen Crab. This was my absolute favourite.

The Queen Crab claws which just needed light-boiling, had fleshy so sweet, succulent and juicy.

What was also great was that the legs were cut into sections at the joint, so that the flesh could easily be pulled out.

When cooked with the dashi bonito broth, the crab imparted delicate yet intense (I know, oxymoron?) flavours to the slurp-worthy soup.

3. Iberico Kurobuta Pork
Kurobuta (“black hog” in Japanese) comes from the Black Berkshire pig, and is renowned as the highest quality pork in the world.

This pork, often called the “Kobe beef of pork”, looks and tastes like no other. Its rich marbling, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and nutty flavour was also divine.

Also available in unlimited servings so dig in.

4. Shabu-Shabu Assorted Vegetables
Add colour, flavour and vitamins to your stock with assorted mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, button), carrots, and bokchoy. You can add as much as you like.

5. 3 Kinds of Appetizers
You start off the buffet with a one serving of 3 Kind of Appetizers.

What you get differs as they are seasonal in varied textures and flavours but all fresh. Starting with these will ease you into the heavier courses. It could be anything from tamago, jelly fish to cucumber with plum sauce or edamame. You get the picture.

6. Aburi Miyazaki Wagyu Sushi
A portion of that marbled Miyazaki Wagyu on sushi, torched aburi-style for that extra rich and smoky flavour.

7. Sashimi Platter
The 3 Kinds Sashimi Platter (you likewise get one serving of this) features seasonal fish and seafood.

Titillate your taste buds with thick-cut salmon, tuna & prawn sashimi, charmingly presented on a bed of ice to please your eyes.

DFD Special: Quote ”DanielFoodDiary and get 5 types of sashimi instead of the usual 3.

8. Prawn & Vegetable Tempura
Just when you thought that is all… A Japanese buffet is never quite complete without some crunchy tempura.

The buffet comes with a serving (1 plate, not unlimited) of prawns and assorted vegetables (eggplant, sweet potato, pumpkin) coated with a light batter mix and deep-fried until golden.

Served with a bowl of Tentsuyu dipping sauce.

9. Japanese Porridge or Udon
The ‘beauty’ at the end of the meal is when you use the remaining hotpot stock to cook some Japanese porridge or udon.

That is when you immerse the pearl rice grains (or udon) with egg into the rich flavourful essence of the after-broth to conclude your meal.

But wait, there is one more…

10. Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream
End your feasting on a sweet note with you are a serving of Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream. Pick from Green Tea, Goma Black Sesame, Yuzu or Vanilla.

The Japan No. 1 Miyazaki Wagyu & Premium Queen Crab Hotpot Buffet is available for a limited period only, and exclusive at Capital Tower #01-10 and JEM #01-04 outlets.

Reservations at: http://www.ensakaba.com.sg/reservations

Terms and Conditions:
– For Capital Tower: Mondays to Fridays after 5pm and whole day on Saturdays.
– For Jem: Whole day from Monday to Sunday.
– Valid with minimum order for 2 pax. Please make a reservation for group party.
– Prices are subject to prevailing GST and service charge.
– Management reserves the right to amend terms and conditions without prior notice.
– Valid for dine-in and duration is maximum of 90 minutes only.

Besides the premium buffet, EN Sakaba’s menu boasts of a range of delectable a la carte dishes such as Salmon Ikura Don ($19.80), Negitoro Don ($22.00), Hotate, Uni, Ikura and Caviar Don ($33.00) and Tai Truffle Chirashi Don ($27.50).

The recommended is the En Kaisen Chirashi Don ($33.00) which contains whooping 15 kinds of sashimi such as zuwai kani, uni, caviar, negitor, ikura, aka ebi, hotate, unagi, maguro, aburi salmon and more on En’s signature pink sushi rice.

Known for its drink menu featuring 30+ types of Japanese sakes in various grade, you can appreciate the range of high-quality sakes that pairs very well with food. Sake brings out the “umami” of Japanese cuisine. As the Japanese proverb goes: “Nihonshu wa ryori wo erabanai”, which means “sake doesn’t get into fights with food”.

EN Sakaba is recommended as an after-work tippling spot, especially with its enticing Japanese tapas best such as Miyazaki Wagyu Avocado Tartar, Maguro Tataki, Iberico Pork Senbei, and Ikasumi Chanwanmushi – a special black squid ink steamed egg.

Oysters are also their latest addition to the menu, selling at $18/half a dozen (U.P. $3.50/pc).

Paired with your favourite beer or sake.

EN Sakaba @ Capital Tower
Capital Tower, 168 Robinson Road, #01-10 Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6423 0110
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.ensakaba.com.sg
www.facebook.com/ensakaba

EN Sakaba @ JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road #01-04 JEM, Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 0238
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

EN Sakaba @ Clarke Quay
3D River Valley Rd #01-14, Singapore 179023
Tel: +65 6264 8698
Opening Hours: 6pm – 2am (Sun – Thu), 6pm – 3am (Fri – Sat)

EN Sakaba @ Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road #01-16 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 1018
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with EN Sakaba.

The post EN Sakaba – All-You-Can-Eat Miyazaki Wagyu & Premium Queen Crab Japanese Hotpot Buffet, At Capital Tower & JEM appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Ramen eatery Bishamon has returned to Singapore after a 4-years absence.

Bishamon’s fans will remember it for its Sapporo-style miso ramen, categorised by moderately curly yellow noodles and broth cooked with three types of miso – red, white and black.

However, instead of a full shop-front, it will be sharing restaurant space with chicken ramen chain Menya Takeichi at Eat At Seven, Suntec City.

That means you can order noodles from both brands.

It signature is the Special Sapporo Miso Ramen ($15.80), topped with large slices of kurobuta pork collar cha shu, along with a medley of corn, bamboo shoots and soft-boiled eggs.

The cha shu is said to be chilled for 24 hours before it is sliced and served atop the ramen.

I was recommended the Tonkotsu Magma Ramen ($13.80), served in a hot stone bowl, with bubbling broth that suggested that it would be very spicy.

The server warned that it was a Level 5, cooked using a blend of 6 different spices.

It was definitely fiery and not for the faint-hearted. All in all still manageable, but I felt that the spices covered up the taste of the rest of the ingredients, and I couldn’t really enjoy to its fullest.

If you want something that is safer, Menya Takeichi serves up milder chicken broth ramen with thin eggy noodles.

The only thing was, despite being told that the Magma Ramen would take a while to arrive as it was served in a hot stone, the chicken ramen actually came much later than it.

Bishamon Singapore
Suntec City North Wing, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-313 Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm Daily

Other Related Entries
10 NEW Ramen Shops In Singapore
Men-Men Tei (Marina One)
Ramen Keisuke Champon King (International Plaza)
Konjiki Hototogisu Singapore (CHIJMES)
Satsuma Shimuja 薩摩思無邪 (Tanjong Pagar)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Bishamon Ramen – Sapporo-style Miso Ramen Eatery Makes Its Return To Singapore At Suntec City appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

A restaurant serving up an entire menu (almost) full of Yuzu items: Yuzu Shabu Shabu, Chirashi Kaisen Don with Yuzu, Yuzu Gyoza and even Peppery Yuzu Ice Cream.

This gets really interesting.

Yuzutei, 柚子亭 which means Yuzu Pavilion in Japanese, offers a yuzu-centric menu which would attract yuzu fans.

It is located at level 1 of the Interlocal Centre – a development in the heart of the rejuvenated Alexandra Pasir Panjang region, and of approximately 8 minutes’ walk from the nearest Pasir Panjang MRT station.

The Hort Park is a two-minutes’ walk away.

The spacious 40-seater restaurant is decked in woody elements like most Japanese restaurants, with tall ceiling and warm lightings for cosy dining and gathering.

The owners decided to have a Yuzu-specialty restaurant due to its unique taste, health and beautifying properties.

Plus there are no other restaurants like this in Singapore.

Widely known for its multiple properties such as richness in Vitamin C, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and boost in immune system, Yuzu has become increasingly popular in the recent years, especially in Japanese cuisines.

The Japanese citrus fruit tastes like a combination of lime and grapefruit with a distinctive sourness initially and slight bitterness in the aftertaste.

Some eateries in Singapore use another form of yuzu, such as yuzu jam or essence for flavours in their food, but Yuzutei actually imports “Kito Yuzu” from Japan.

The “Kito Yuzu” is the highest grade of yuzu, and are grown and harvested in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, stored using technology to ensure consistent quality all year round and air-flown to Yuzutei.

Here are 10 Yuzu-inspired dishes you can find at Yuzutei:

A5 Hokkaido Snow Wagyu Yuzu Shabu Set ($53/pax)
Sugoii desu! Look at the beautiful marbling which resembled of a snowflake.

The 100g A5 Hokkaido Snow Wagyu comes with a marbling score above 10 and are farmed in Hokkaido, Japan. (With only 2 heads of cattle farmed per month, the A5 Hokkaido Snow Wagyu is subjected to availability and will be replaced with other Japan Wagyu when it’s unavailable.)

The Signature Yuzu Soup uses a chicken soup base simmered for 6 hours, cooked daily with fresh Yuzu fruits, with Yuzu juices added into to bring out the light and refreshing taste in every components of the Shabu set.

Well-complemented with the yuzu soup base, the A5 Hokkaido Snow Wagyu was soft and tender.

The light citrus-ness of the soup base also allowed one to appreciate the meat in its natural flavours.

If you are looking for additional flavours, 2 dipping sauces are provided: Ponzu (sour) and Yuzutei Special – Yuzu, Radish, Chili (spicy).

Japan Shirobuta Pork Yuzu Shabu Set ($26/pax)
If you are not a beef lover, Shirobuta Pork ($26/pax) or Seafood ($32.50/pax) are available.

Each Shabu Set comes with a Signature Yuzu Soup Base, Handmade Prawn & Shiitake Mushroom Paste, Japan Mizuna Vegetables, Assorted Vegetables, Tofu, Japanese Fish Cake and Rice.

The highlights are the Homemade Prawn Paste and Shitake Mushroom Paste which are soft, fragrant and flavourful that would make you go “oishii”!

The Shirobuta Pork comprised of both pork collar and pork belly, and are sourced directly from Kyushu in Japan, with the right amount of fattiness.

If you require a more substantial meal, add-ons such as 100g Hokkaido Snow Beef ($35), 100g A4 Japan Wagyu ($35), Homemade Prawn Paste ($7) and Shitake Mushroom Paste ($4) are available.

Ishiyaki Hot Stone Grill ($43-45)
Apart from Shabu Shabu, the sizzling Hot Stone Grill comes with options such as A5 Hokkaido Snow Wagyu Zabuton Jo-Rosu cut aka Chuck roll (100g $45, 150g $63) or A4 Japan Wagyu Steak Cut (100g $45, 150g $63), Bluefin Tuna Belly (100g $43).

Each Hot Stone Grill set is served with Yuzu Daikon, Spicy Okra (Lady Fingers) and Signature Yuzu Salt Dips.

The Spicy Okra was quite unique on its own, with a crispy and crunchy texture that reminded me of lady finger chips.

As for the meat, the Zabuton Jo-Rosu cut was slightly on the fatty side on the day of visit, which requires more effort in chewing.

Chirashi Kaisen Don ($14.90)
If you are thinking of head during lunch, more casual Japanese food items of Classic Donburi such as Salmon Mentai Don ($14), Chirashi Kaisen Don ($14.90), Unagi Don ($16), Teriyaki Chicken Don ($10); and Yuzu & Mentai Pasta are available.

The Chirashi Kaisen Don ($14.90) comes with an assortment of diced sashimi such as salmon, tuna and swordfish belly marinated with homemade vinaigrette dressing.

Something unique is the addition of tomatoes, corns, edamame, pumpkin slices, spring onions on top of fluffy, white Japanese rice with a light, citrusy and refreshing dressing, adding texture and flavours as a whole.

Garlic Vinaigrette Gyu Don ($16)
Another recommendation is the Garlic Vinaigrette Gyu Don ($16) which comes with Vinaigrette Pumpkin slices which made the combination less “jelak” (rich).

The beef slices were thin and has a tender, soft texture, while the citrusy touch added a refreshing take.

Signature Yuzu Gyoza ($7)
With limited portion a day, the Yuzu Gyoza are handmade by the chef daily before pan-frying, resulting in a crispy, golden brown appearance.

Dip into the ponzu sauce, a citrus-based sauce made using rice wine, rice vinegar, bonito fish flakes, seaweed and yuzu, for additional flavours.

Moffle Ice Cream
“Nan desu ka”? Moffle is the combination of both mochi and waffle, with a crispy edges and chewy texture.

Priced at $2 for the Moffle with Classic ice cream flavours (Single $2.50/ Double $4) such as Vanilla, Chocolate and Cookies & Cream, and Premium ice cream flavours (Single $3.50/ Double $6) such as Matcha Black Sesame and Peppery Kinoko Yuzu.

The Matcha Black Sesame has a strong, earthly and robust taste whereas the Peppery Kinoko Yuzu was pleasantly spicy and refreshing at the same time.

Mizu Shingen Mochi ($6.90)
Shaped just like an upsized agar jelly and known as Japanese Raindrop Cake, this dessert took the internet by storm in 2016 and is constructed mainly using water as the name implies – mizu.

Take a scoop of the Mizu Shingen Mochi and some Kinako Powder (roasted Japanese Soy bean), Kuromitsu syrup (Japanese sugar syrup), Peach Puree or Matcha powder served by its side to enjoy 4 different flavours.

My favourite was the matcha powder with kuromitsu syrup, which gives a combination of sweetness and bitterness.

Signature Yuzu Smoothie ($6.50)
Ice blended using Kito Yuzu, the Yuzu Smoothie is both refreshing and distinctive in yuzu taste.

Unlike other smoothie, the yuzu added was light, fruity and not too filling.

I enjoyed the homemade jelly added into the smoothie which gives it additional textures.

Yuzu Soda ($5.50)
For a lighter drink, the Yuzu Soda is available for extra fizzy sensation.

While it is still starting days for Yuzutei, they managed to have unique offerings with a yuzu-centric menu. I do think they can afford to expand their menu for even more interesting selection, especially in the dessert component.

The shabu shabu soup base, added with yuzu specially air flown from Tokushima Perfecture Japan, makes it a worthy visit.

Yuzutei
100G Pasir Panjang Road #01-01, Singapore 118523 (Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang)
Tel: +65 9689 4092
Opening Hours: Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 4pm – 10pm (Mon-Fri), 12.30pm – 10pm (Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.facebook.com/yuzuteisg/

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape. This entry is brought to you in partnership with Yuzutei.

The post Yuzutei – 1st Yuzu Specialty Restaurant In Singapore With Yuzu Shabu Shabu & Yuzu Chirashi, At Pasir Panjang appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Known to have 9 outlets in Japan with 14 years of history, Kagurazaka Saryo has opened its very first flagship store right in Singapore at VivoCity.

Brought into Singapore by Japan Food Holdings who owns eateries such as Ajisen Ramen, they have replaced existing Fruit Paradise outlet (Oh bye bye, Fruit Paradise!) with Kagurazaka Saryo.

Fans of fruit tarts from Fruit Paradise need not worry as the tarts are still available for purchase in slices or in whole at Kagurazaka Saryo.

This is a Japanese teahouse that specialises in matcha desserts and drinks.

Sounds like heaven for the matcha-holics?

Known for their range of Uji Matcha in Kyoto, the interior of Kagurazaka Saryo is designed like a Japanese teahouse with prominent wooden element incorporated in the design.

Note: This is not to be confused with the legit, famous Saryo Tsujiri 茶寮都路里 found in Tokyo, even though they both have “Saryo” in their name.

Each table is equipped with an iPad for ordering and visual purpose, and only the desserts and drinks are available from 3-5pm daily.

Food will be served directly to diners and payment is made at the end of the meal.

The menu offers a selection of signature matcha desserts such as their famed Matcha Fondue with Assorted Sides ($14.90) and Matcha Frozen Smores ($9.90).

Both matcha and hojicha latte are available in hot ($6.90) and cold ($6.90) versions.

Other versions of matcha and hojicha lattes include one with Chocolate ($7.90), Azuki Shiratama ($8.90) or Kuromitsu ($7.90).

Their Signature Parfait ($10.90) comes with matcha and vanilla ice cream, warabimochi, jelly, hojicha cream, matcha pudding and topped with Azuki beans and shiratama.

It might sound like a good deal with an assortment of ingredients and toppings, but I was unfortunately disappointed with the dessert.

The matcha ice cream was milky and sweet, and the taste of green tea was not as distinct as expected, especially when this brand is supposed to comes from the land of matcha.

Another one of their highlights is the Nitro Tea ($7.90) prepared directly from taps with nitrogen infused in it to create a smooth and creamy texture in addition to the usual matcha and hojicha.

Coming in 2 different flavours, Matcha (no sugar added) and Matcha Hojicha, both drinks are served with a set of warabimochi and kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) by the side.

The first sip of the nitro matcha was delightful, strong, fizzy, refreshing with distinctive matcha taste in it.

The hojicha layer, on the other hand, was sweet and rich and overpowered the refreshing layer of matcha.

I will definitely recommend the Matcha Nitro Drink instead of the Matcha Hojicha Nitro Drink.

For a more substantial meal, savoury food options such as Cha-Nabe are available. Flavours include Aburi Chicken/ Pork Shabu Tom Yum ($11.90), Aburi Chicken/ Pork Shabu Soya Milk ($12.90), Salmon Miso ($11.90).

As I was looking forward to this matcha- dedicated teahouse, the matcha desserts and drinks fell short of expectation.

Kagurazaka Saryo 神楽坂茶寮
VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-59, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/kagurazakasaryo

Other Related Entries
Riz Labo Kitchen (Wisma Atria)
Belle-Ville (Bugis Junction)
Hvala (CHIJMES)
Haritts Donuts ハリッツ (Havelock Road)
Lumine Café (Clarke Quay Central)

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Kagurazaka Saryo 神楽坂茶寮 – Japanese Matcha Teahouse With Matcha Nitro Drinks And Matcha Fondue, At VivoCity appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

For sushi fans at Bishan, you can soon satisfy your cravings with the opening of Genki Sushi at Bishan Junction 8 this Friday (17th August).

With a total of 6 outlets across Singapore, Genki Sushi is a familiar name to many – a popular Japanese sushi chain brand that offers affordable sushi.

They are also known to be the first brand outside Japan to adopt the “Kousoku Express” train system designed after the Japanese Shinkasen bullet trains, fresh sushi are delivered straight from the kitchen in a swift, quiet, cool and interesting manner.

The one thing that got me rather intrigued in the launch of Dai Man Zoku (大満足) unique to Genki Sushi, which implies “maximum satisfaction”.

These are actually sushi pieces which are approximately 1.5 times bigger than the regular sized sushi.

And the good news is, the price is still inexpensive at $1.90 per piece.

Larger pieces, at affordable pricing.

12 sushi types are offered, and the variety includes Salmon Belly, Seared Salmon Belly with Black Pepper, Yellowtail, Swordfish Belly, Maguro Tataki, Seared Fluke Fin, Seared Steamed Oyster with Black Pepper, Red Shrimp, Jumbo Crabstick Mentaiyaki, Jumbo Ebi Fry, Seared Sukiyaki and Grilled Eel & Cheese Roll.

Some fun fact: Do you know that sushi are larger during the Japanese Edo Period compared to modern day times?

That is because people then saw sushi as a possible takeaway food, and making them larger was for convenience and a comforting treat to fill one’s belly.

Talking about Japan, one of the main reason why Genki Sushi remains so popular is that several of the ingredients used are important directly from Japan.

Take for example the rice.

Top-grade aromatic short-grain rice – known for its exceptional appearance, texture and fragrance, is used.

Here are 10 items at Genki Sushi to feel Dai Man Zoku (maximum satisfaction):

Dai Man Zoku – Jumbo Ebi Fry ($1.90)
Deep fried to a shade of golden brown, the entire jumbo prawn has a piping hot and crispy exterior that eludes distinctive aroma as it gets delivered across the table on the “Kousoku Express”.

A show-stopper that is as long as my palm with a dollop of tobiko mayonnaise on it whereas the interior was soft and tender with a texture contrast with reference to the crispy exterior.

Dai Man Zoku – Grilled Eel & Cheese Roll ($1.90)
One feature of the Dai Man Zoku is that the ingredient is distinctively bigger and more substantial compared to the usual sushi.

With a long grilled unagi coated with a sweet sauce, satisfaction is guaranteed with a bigger portion of protein.

Dai Man Zoku – Maguro Tataki ($1.90)
Fans of maguro (tuna) gets a different method of preparation here, with tender and chewy maguro lightly seared on the surface to bring out a difference in texture.

Dai Man Zoku – Salmon Belly ($1.90)
Purists now get the option for just the Salmon Belly itself (in a bigger portion) as part of the Dai Man Zoku menu.

Dai Man Zoku – Seared Steam Oyster with Black Pepper ($1.90)
This is no joke, with a big, plump and juicy oyster set atop moist and fluffy sushi rice.

Dai Man Zoku – Seared Sukiyaki Beef ($1.90)
The seared sukiyaki beef comes in an elongated manner with a sweet and savoury flavour and slightly charred taste, unlike the usual presentation where the ingredients are placed on top of the sushi rice.

Salmon Roe ($4.20)
As part of the new sushi selection that is served in a pair, generous amount of round, glistening salmon roe on the warm sushi rice.

Think of it as a miniature version of a salmon roe don, with multiples salmon roe that pops in the mouth.

Ebi Fry Don ($8.80)
In addition to the existing dons such as Oyako Don, Salmon Ikura Don, Unagi Don, Kaisen Don, the Ebi Fry Don ($8.80) is newly added to the selection of donburi.

Served on warm Japanese rice with omelette and onions are 3 deep-fried, golden brown prawns.

Maze Soba ($5.80)
Genki Sushi’s existing noodles features a variety of Udon and Soba dishes, such as Poached Egg Udon, Cheese Sauce Udon, Smoked Duck Udon and Beef Udon.

Newly introduced is the Maze Soba ($5.80) – dry noodles which is tossed with sauce, coming with duck meat, a half boiled egg and bamboo shoots.

Crispy Prawn with Yuzu Mayo ($4.80)
The newest addition to the side dishes that offers light, refreshing and citrusy yuzu infused with creamy mayonnaise that complements the lightly battered crispy prawns.

Just so you know, Here are 10 interesting things about Genki Sushi:

1. The logo is a yellow “unhappy” face, because it represents a serious, professional and confident look of a Japanese sushi expert chef. Sodesu.

2. The two red dots on the Chef’s cheeks represent ‘Genki’ – which means young with positive energy.

3. The idea of “kaiten sushi” started way back in 1968 when the founder Chef Fumio Saito pioneered the use of a revolving conveyor belt to serve sushi, combining serving traditional sushi with modern technology.

4. You can order anything, from sushi, sashimi, soups to cooked dishes using Genki Sushi’s Kousoku Express system. It would be delivered via a “Shinkansen bullet train”.

5. Yes, there is an electronic track going around the dining tables.

6. On average, just 2 to 3 minutes is needed to deliver the food (excluding waiting time during peak dining hours).

7. There are over 80 Nigiri, Gunkan, Maki and Temaki sushi pieces on the Genki Sushi menu.

8. And more than 180 core food items.

9. Genki Sushi has outlets in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Philippines, China, Australia, Cambodia, Thailand and Hawaii.

10. There are 6 outlets in Singapore, including Orchard Central, Chinatown Point, Bugis+, Waterway Point, Takashimaya, and the newest at Bishan Juntion 8.

Official Opening Day Promotion for Genki Sushi fans at Junction 8
There will be FREE 100 boxes of 5-piece sushi given out to customers who visit the NEW Junction 8 outlet. While stocks last.

Date: 17 August 2018 (Friday)
Timing: Between 11am to 1130am

Genki Sushi – Bishan Junction 8
9 Bishan Place, #01-22/30, Junction 8, Singapore 579837
Tel: +65 6816 2151
Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Genki Sushi Branches:
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road #04-30 Orchard Central Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6238 0900

Chinatown Point
133 New Bridge Road #02-33 Chinatown Point Singapore 059413
Tel: +65 6702 0900

Bugis+
201 Victoria Street #01-13 Bugis+ Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6636 6606

Waterway Point
83 Punggol Central #02-23 Waterway Point Singapore 828761

Takashimaya (Ngee Ann City)
391 Orchard Road #B2-25/26 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6694 1110

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape. This entry is brought to you in partnership with Genki Sushi.

The post Genki Sushi – FREE 100 Boxes Of 5-Piece Sushi, At NEW Bishan Junction 8 Outlet. Also Check Out Their Larger Sushi Pieces appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

No one can deny that the PS.Cafe people are great in their design work and interiors.

The group has gone on to open a new Japanese casual restaurant at Martin Road, replacing Chopsuey Café.

For the good and bad of it, people are talking about the modern-meets-rustic Japanese theme, costal vibes, Japanese hip-hop music and even the staff’s indigo-navy coloured uniform.

In fact, those fisherman lanterns hanging from the ceiling were the first things noticed for many.

You get my point.

In this social media era when diners can easily get distracted by the décor, there is a huge portion of people who really still go for the food.

The menu serves up a variety of items from Robata Sticks, Sushi Rolls, Sashimi, small plates, All Day Bowls and desserts.

I suspect the items are largely designed for small group sharing, and to go with drinks.

I was in the mood of going for something more substantial, and thus the Tonkatsu Curry Rice ($19) of Iberico Pork Cutlet with shredded cabbage and grilled shishito.

The bowl didn’t depart far from the other average Japanese restaurants that would serve Japanese Curry as part of their many dishes, with slightly tough meat and sauce that wasn’t impressionable.

Except that it would come with a higher price tag.

But at least it was at least better than the Charred Charsiu Ramen ($17), with soggy noodles contained in a not-very-rich-soup. A waste, really.

Thankfully, the dessert was a delight, as the Coconut Matcha Panna Cotta ($11) was wobbly-smooth with light fragrance of the coconut.

Even though the interior was quite a stylish place in its own way, I found the menu lacking in character that could gel better with the theme.

JYPSY
No.38 Martin Road, Singapore 239072
Tel: +65 8188 6177
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 4:00pm, 5:30pm – 11.00pm Last Order 10:30pm (Tues – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Sushi Shiki Hanamaru (Orchard Central)
Fu Men Japanese Udon (Hong Leong Building)
Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi (Tanjong Pagar)
Ami Ami (Great World City)
Kappou Japanese Sushi Tapas Bar (Fortune Centre)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post JYPSY – PS Cafe Opens Stylish Japanese Restaurant, Go For The Matcha Panna Cotta appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

What can I say? Keisuke does it again, this time with a Beef Sukiyaki Don concept.

The group had some terrific ramen and Japanese food concepts, such as Ramen Keisuke Lobster King at Clarke Quay, and Keisuke Kani King at Orchard Cineleisure; as well as Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei with hamburg and free-flow salad.

However, there were others that wasn’t my kind of thing – Champon King and Ginza Kamo Soba Kyudaime Keisuke serving duck ramen.

Despite the rather unheard-of location at Onze – it is actually just a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT, behind Tanjong Pagar Plaza (Block 5), this Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke should attract some crowd. My tip is come before the peak lunch and dinner time.

There are many Beef Bowl shops in Singapore, and at one point in time, there was at least one every single month.

But not every Beef Bowls are created equal. Some would glam it up by using wagyu and adding some truffle, and hope it will sell. Unfortunately, not.

Keisuke includes some “gimmicks” but they actually add to the taste profile or enhance the dining experience.

The menu is straight forward, with the offering of Beef Sukiyaki Don ($13.90) or Kiwami Wagyu Sukiyaki Don ($29.90). You can top up beef at $10 and $25 respectively.

This is when you deliberate between the cheaper US Prime Beef option, or indulge in Yonezawa Beef A4.
Someone told me, ”Actually, not much of a difference….” Sorry, I would like to say there is A LOT of difference. If it is pay-day, just order the Wagyu and make yourself very much happier.

Here’s how this is different from just any other Beef Bowl shops: there will be a dedicated chef who cooks the food in front of you. They wear white jackets and ties, which reminds me of those in the higher end tempura shops in Japan.

The Koshihikari grains is not cooked in a normal rice cooker per se, but in a double-lidded Japanese donabe that helps retain heat and cook up moist and fluffier tasting rice.

The beef is cooked ala minute. As a customer, you smell that sweet tare aroma and hear and enticing sizzling even before eating. Despite the small restaurant with narrow space, it doesn’t “smell” that strongly.

Towards the end, the chef would pour the rest of the sukiyaki sauce into a separate bowl, so that you can include to your liking and “manage your own saltiness”.

The marbling of the Wagyu beef was superb for its price, the slices meaty and slightly fatty and could down your throat.

While some diners may frown at “sukiyaki” items because they tend to be too sweet-savoury, the balance was just right for this bowl.

If you are feeling on a budget, the normal Beef Sukiyaki Don at $13.90 with its tougher slices, still makes a satisfying, enjoyable meal with all those ingredients and interactive experience. I think I will come back for this.

Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke
11 Kee Seng Street, #01-01 Onze, Singapore 089218 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
12 Best Gyudon In Singapore
Ramen Keisuke Champon King (International Plaza)
Ginza Kamo Soba Kyudaime Keisuke (Holland Village)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke – Value-For-Money Quality Beef Bowls, With Chefs Cooking Right In Front Of You appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

If you are a foodie and always looking out for dining deals, mark 1st to 5th October 2018 on your calendar and save the dates for Chope Deals’ biggest Online Food Festival.

During this 5-day online event, there will be the “most insane F&B dining deals” available.

From 1st to 4th October (Mon – Thurs), there will be flash deals happening daily, with deals of specific themes of Asian, Buffets, Cafes and Western each day.

The midnight you need to stay up for will be on the 5th of October (Fri) for the Mega Flash Sale.

There will be over 100 dining deals released, which includes 30% to 60% OFF $50 and $100 cash dining vouchers; and 50% to 85% OFF set meals – so you end up paying $15 and below.

Other than the 7 Modern Japanese restaurants featured below, some of the other participating F&B outlets include HANS IM GLÜCK German Burgergrill (Raffles Place / Orchard), Art (Previously Osteria Art), Maggie Joan’s, Moosehead, Riders Cafe, Plentyfull, Si Chuan Dou Hua (UOB), Mitzo Restaurant & bar, Alter Ego, Brewerkz (Riverside Point / Orchard Parade / Indoor Stadium), Aura, Amò, Ah Hoi’s Kitchen, and Pince & Pints (Duxton/ Katong).

There will also be Michelin-starred restaurants to expect, including Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar, Summer Palace and Braci; and several hotel buffets with deals exclusive to Chope.

As Japanese cuisine is typically seen as more expensive in Singapore, I thought I would feature 7 Modern Japanese Restaurants in Singapore – all of them with amazing deals to offer.

Bincho at Hua Bee
78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, Singapore 162078
Tel: +65 6438 4567
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

A mee-pok stall by day, and a yakitori restaurant at night. The hole-in-a-wall Bincho at Hua Bee located at Tiong Bahru (enter via the back door near the carpark) is also opened for lunch now.

Helmed by Chef Asai, the menu boasts fresh produce flown directly from Japan cooked over binchō-tan charcoal, for a more authentic Japanese yakitori experience.

Keeping true to the original yakitori-ya inspired concept, tori (chicken) is extensively featured on the signature dishes list, though you can also find beef, pork, lamb and seafood items.

Its signatures include the Yakitori Shio Platter that consist of chicken breast, wing, neck and thigh ($30), Mentai Wings ($15), Grilled Chicken Breast with Truffle ($28), and Grilled Chicken Neck ($17).

I feel that the must-have is the Tsukune with Egg Yolk ($18), a soft grilled chicken ‘sausage’ patty glazed in a delicious sweet and savory taré.

Chope Deal includes:
$25 for $50 vouchers; $70 for $100 vouchers
Get Chope Deal HERE!

Maru Japanese Restaurant
Icon Village, 12 Gopeng Street, #01-05 – 11, Singapore 078877 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11pm (Mon – Fri), 4pm – 11pm Last Order 10:30 pm (Sat), Closed Sun & PH

Maru is a contemporary Asian fusion restaurant located in Singapore’s Central Business District of Tanjong Pagar.

In Japanese, Maru means “circle”, representing the team behind this restaurant united together in a circle.

Try their signature items like the White Tuna Tataki ($22 small, $32 large), Iberico Pork Jowl ($24), Wagyu Beef Steak ($48), Steamed Spicy Asari ($15 small, $24 large), and Uni Ikura Angel Hair ($26 small, $48 large).

Together, they have designed a one-of-a-kind fusion dining experience, with incorporation of Vietnamese cuisine in a Japanese restaurant. Interesting.

Chope Deal includes:
4 Course Set Meal @ $15 (U.P $30)
Includes Ikura Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, Anago Foie Gras Don and Ice Cream
Get Chope Deal HERE!

Plum & Toro
The InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Rd, #02-07, Singapore 238909
TEL: +65 9663 9328‬
Opening Hours: 5pm – 12pm (Tues – Thurs), 12pm – 12am (Fri), 12pm – 12am (Sat), 12pm – 10pm (Sun), Closed Mon

Plum & Toro is a casual yet modern Japanese dining and cocktail establishment that offers creative Japanese cuisine and beverages.

The space is said to be beautiful and fresh for groups to enjoy gatherings of most occasions.

In terms of food, it provides extensive varieties of bincho charcoal grilled and teppan items.

Recommend items include Yaki Buta ($9) – omelette-wrapped twice cooked pork belly skewer with ichimi togarashi; Sakura Ebi Somen ($20) of stir-fried cherry blossom shrimp tossed with thin noodles and scampi oil; and dessert of Satsuma Imo ($15) which is oven baked Japanese sweet potato with vanilla ice cream topped with snow salt.

The one signature item is the Wagyu Truffle Don ($40). Expect freshly cooked fluffy Japanese rice topped with juicy wagyu slices that is stir fried with special Japanese sauces. This is served with an onsen egg, then topped with a generous amount of fresh seasonal truffle and served warm.

Most ingredients are sourced directly from Japan while the beverage list features a range of Japanese cocktails, rare sakes and fine wines.

Chope Deal includes:
$35 for $50 vouchers; $70 for $100 vouchers
Get Chope Deal HERE!

Don & Tori
74 Tras Street, Singapore 079013
Tel: +65 9811 7888
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Tucked away at Tras Street near Tanjong Pagar, Don & Tori is a modern Japanese restaurant that features a more innovative list of signature donburi bowls and makis, as well as yakimono (grilled or pan-fried) items.

Favourites include the Sakura Ebi Angel Hair Pasta ($32), Truffle Wagyu Foie Gras Don ($38), Aburi Spicy Salmon Belly Don ($25), Truffle Salmon Carpaccio ($18), Gyu Steak ($45) and the Scallop Butter Yaki, which are cooked over an open charcoal grill.

With ingredients used flown directly from Japan’s iconic Tsukiji Fish Market, Don & Tori’s seasonal menu is produce-driven, utilizing the freshest possible ingredients as they come into season.

With a live sushi bar, diners are able to witness the chefs’ knife skills and interact with them.

Chope Deal includes:
$35 for $50 vouchers; $70 for $100 vouchers
Get Chope Deal HERE!

YAYOI – Bugis +
201 Victoria Street, #01-08, Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6636 5448
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

YAYOI – The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green, #02-01/02, Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6570 2668
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

YAYOI is known for its Teishoku which usually includes a main dish, side dish, a bowl of Japanese Kinme rice and miso soup.

The restaurant recommends diner to enjoy the set in four different ways – in its original form first, with added condiments, with ochazuke dashi, and the 4th way – your own liking.

Their popular Teishoku choices include Shogayaki Teishoku ($9.90), Saba Shio Teishoku ($10.90), Chicken Namban Teishoku ($14.90) and Sukiyaki Teishoku ($18.90).

If you are for donburi and noodles, their regular favourites are the Salmon Don with fresh salmon and salmon roe on rice ($13.90), Katsu Don ($13.90), Oyako Don ($11.90), Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.90), and Niku Udon ($11.90).

Chope Deal includes:
$37 for $50 vouchers
Get Chope Deal HERE!

Mitsu Sushi Bar
21 Duxton Road, Singapore 089487
Tel: +65 6221 0888
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Passionate in delivering high quality Japanese cuisine, Mitsu Sushi Bar ships in fresh seafood and produce in small batches five times a week from three of Japan’s most well-known markets, Tsukiji, Kyushu and Hokkaido.

This is to ensure optimum freshness and the best selection of fish.

The restaurant features a 12-seater counter on Level 1 where diners can enjoy direct interaction with the chefs; while Level 2 consists of table seating and Japanese-style private rooms with tatami.

Specializing in a “one fish, three ways” Omakase meal, diners can choose a whole fish from the daily menu, in which the Chef will prepare it in three ways served throughout the Omakase course.

Another recommended on the Omakase menu is their Alaskan King Crab, done three ways. Choose from six cooking styles including kaminabe, tempura, sashimi, grilled and served with vinegar, simmered, or chawanmushi.

Chope Deal includes:
$22 for $50 off-peak dining vouchers
Get Chope Deal HERE!

Tanuki Raw Kapok
111 Middle Road, 01-05 National Design Centre Singapore 188969
Tel: +65 9035 9398
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

You may have visited Tanuki Raw at Orchard Central, but how about Tanuki Raw Kapok at National Design Centre?

This branch blends a café environment with a lifestyle shop, and is a great spot to take a break with coffee.

The Japanese restaurant believes dining out should be a fun experience, and therefore serves up dishes that make you amused and happy. So, you get Japanese food, with influence from American street food.

Expect the likes of Foie Gras Truffle Yakiniku Donburi ($19 during lunch, $23 dinner); Chirashi NDC Donburi ($21 lunch, $24.00 dinner), Wham! Fries ($11.90) and Beef Okonomiyaki ($16).

Tanuki Raw’s Truffle Yakiniku Donburi ($14.80 lunch, $18 dinner) has gained many fans, said to be was one of the first bowls to kickstart the beef rice bowl trend in Singapore.

The special sauce, oozy onsen egg, US short rib beef, and truffle essence feature strongly in the dish, but the secret star is its signature mixed rice.

Chope Deal includes:
$40 for $50 vouchers
Available on Day 5 (Mega Sale)
Get Chope Deal HERE!

Chope Online Food Festival from 1 – 5 October
While the United States has Black Friday sales; China with November 11; Singapore will have its own Online Food Festival from 1st to 5th October which will showcase the BEST online dining deals in Singapore.

Be ready for over 100 restaurant promotions on sale, at up to 85% OFF.

The date October 5th (十月五号) sounds like “food” 食物 in Chinese, which is why Chope decided to launch its first Online Food Festival during that week.

During this 5-day event, experience dining deals off varied restaurants of specific themes (Asian, Buffets, Cafes, and Western), withflash deals happening daily from 1-4 October.

There will then be a MEGA Flash Sale on the 5th of October.

Pre-sale (1-4 Oct):
– Special deals to be released at each time slot: 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm – Dining deals include:
a) $15 & below set meals/menus – 50% to 85% off
b) Up to 50% off cash dining vouchers + extra $3 off with a special discount code released each day (no minimum spending)

Each day will be themed as the following: Day 1 (Asian), Day 2 (Buffet), Day 3 (Café), Day 4 (Western)

One-day Mega Flash Sale (5 Oct):
– Starting at midnight, over 100 dining deals will be released
– Dining deals include:
a) $50 and $100 cash dining vouchers – 30% to 60% off
b) $15 & below set meals/menus – 50% to 85% off
(Be sure to camp at 10am and 5pm, as Chope will be releasing $10 flash deals and $5 flash deals at the respective timings)

App-xclusive Deal:
– Visa cardholders can enjoy an extra $10 off with a minimum spend of $50!
– Purchases will have to be made via the Chope app, and upon keying the discount code , $10 off will be deducted from the total amount.
– Limited to the first 1000 redemptions only.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Chope.

The post Over 100 Restaurant Dining Deals In Singapore, At Up To 85% OFF For This Online Food Festival appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

The stall known to sell $10 Wagyu Beef Bowls at Amoy Street Food Centre, has opened a shop in the heart of Orchard Road.

The question that could be on your mind… Yes, the bowls are still sold at $10 each.

Recently, there are a couple of hawker stall owners who opened eatery or restaurants, who met with fairly successful results.

Some examples are Hai Kee Brothers (Coffeeshop stall at Bedok to Chinatown Point); Fook Kin 福劲 (Old Airport Road stall to roast restaurant in Killiney); and Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodle Bar (Amoy Street stall to Noodle Bar near Boat Quay).

The new Gyu Nami is located at the basement of Orchard Gateway, the space previously occupied by Alfero Gelato and Andiamo Gelato). However, the shop is not as conspicuous and may not attract that much foot traffic.

The Signature Wagyu Roast Beef Don is still sold at $10, however there is also a large option at $13. You can top up $2 to make is a set with miso soup and mochi. (I wasn’t that keen in the mochi.)

But wait ah, there is also service tax here.

I ordered the large because I noticed that the other tables’ bowls looked quite shallow, and I needed more protein after a gym workout.

The roasted wagyu beef slices continued to be both soft and tender, all reasonably large slices with that beautiful pinkiness on the surface.

The accompanying sous vide egg and creamy yogurt sauce helped ease the dryness, and added that element of stickiness (otherwise could have been a tad dry).

Compared to the poster and what I had in Amoy, the $10 bowl didn’t look as tall and well-presented, but this is understandable considering the town-rental.

There is also an Ungai Don ($12) offered with sous vide egg hidden below the eel.

Overall, a straight-forward bowl with little surprises and the portion may not be enough for hungry diners.

The Orchard crowd can be fairly unpredictable, compared to the CBD diners who won’t mind a quick-fix of $10 Roast Beef Bowls – and lunch time crowd WILL be there rain or shine.

I reckon with a shop, the young owners may need to experiment more with providing options of varied sizing (example, an even bigger bowl), offering sides, and speeding up the assembling process.

Gyu Nami – Orchard
Orchard Gateway B2-06 277 Orchard Road, 238858
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Gyu Nami – Amoy
Amoy Street Food Centre #02-126, 7 Maxwell Road Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: 11am – 30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
12 Best Gyudon In Singapore
The Butcher’s Kitchen (Suntec City)
Tokachi Tontaro (Plaza Singapura)
Chirashi King Kong (Tanjong Pagar)
Kogane Yama (Bugis Junction)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Gyu Nami – $10 Wagyu Beef Bowl From Amoy, Now Found At Orchard Gateway. Still $10 appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

When I first wrote about Kohaku Tendon at Suntec City during an anonymous visit, I commented that it was a “strong, worthy Tendon competitor”, and would give others a run for their money.

Little did I expect long queues to form right after that, and Kohaku Tendon has obviously gone places – with 4 outlets in Singapore (Suntec City, Boat Quay, Chinatown Point, Changi Airport’s SORA), and branches in Malaysia (Lot 10 Kuala Lumpur), Taiwan (Taipei 101) and The Philippines (Uptown Mall Manila).

(Click PLAY for highlights of Kohaku Tendon’s Hokkaido Autumn Tendon with Cheese.)

The reason for its success is perhaps ‘simple’ – with using well-chosen fresh ingredients fried into ethereal crispy tempura, piled on fluffy Hokkaido rice.

Even with a relatively long queue and support, the tendon (short for “tempura donburi”) restaurant does not rest on its laurels as well.

They periodically introduce NEW seasonal tendons to pique interests, such as the autumn special of the first-ever Hokkaido Autumn Tendon with Cheese in Singapore.

This newly introduced bowl itself is like a work of art, showcasing many “Autumn” ingredients, maple leaves and topped with chrysanthemum flowers.

Here are 10 things about Kohaku Tendon that makes it work:

1. Fresh Ingredients
Kohaku Tendon’s signature bowl includes a line-up of ingredients from fresh black tiger prawn, dory fish, chicken rice, crab stick, green beans, shitake, young corn and pumpkin coated in a favourful tempura batter cooked to a light crisp.

2. Fluffy Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi White Rice
Kohaku Tendon uses Nanatsuboshi rice imported from Hokkaido – one of the top 2 rice from Hokkaido awarded Grade A in flavour.

The reason why the rice is of higher quality is due to the clear Hokkaido waters, abundance of clean air, long summer days and skilled Japanese farmers.

The rice is cultivated using a special method that uses 70 per cent less chemical as compared to the traditional method, then locally milled in Singapore to ensure freshness.

So compared to normal rice, the Nanatsuboshi rice is fluffy, with natural sweetness and adequate moistness, with complements the tempura pieces and absorbs the sauces well.

3. Multi-Grain Rice
Other than the Hokkaido white rice, you can also choose to have “Japanese 16 Multi-Grain Rice” at no additional cost.

The rice used contains 16 types of grains and seeds such as red beans, black rice, red sorghum, barnyard millet, red rice, and other mixed grains, for a healthier, nutrient and fibre-rich bowl.

4. Tendon + Udon
Do you not know there is an udon option?

(I am guilty for not ordering this, but I will make sure it happens the next time. Look out here for updates.)

5. High Grade Oil
The tempura pieces are fried in a blend of high-grade sesame oil and cooking oil.

6. Special Cooking Technology
Kohaku utilizes a special cooking technology that ensures the oil is kept clean and fresh even after repeated frying.

7. Special Tendon Sauce
The tempura pieces are drenched with Kohaku Tendon’s special tendon sauce, which comes in both spicy and non-spicy options.

The velvety original sauce has a sweeter take, while I generally prefer the spicy version with a slight kick.

8. Seasonal Tendon Flavours
While Singapore does not experience the four seasons per se, Kohaku Tendon periodically introduces periodic tendons to keep regular diners excited about new (and limited) offerings; and also incorporate seasonal ingredients into the rice bowls.

What they have previously offered include Yuzu Salmon and Mushrooms Tendon (last autumn); Ocean Gems Tendon “Umi” with King Crab Stick (last winter); Sakura Tendon with soft shell crab and mentai mayo sauce (spring); Natsumi Special Tendon with unagi (summer); and the current Hokkaido Autumn Seasonal Tendon with Cheese.

9. New Hokkaido Autumn Seasonal Tendon with Cheese
A bowl comprising of a medley of Autumn ingredients prepared tempura style, such as maple leaf, sweet potato, shiitake mushroom, enoki mushroom and chestnut.

It is even garnished with the aromatic chrysanthemum flowers, representing the fallen leaves, which gives it a certain beauty and allure.

The star is the Hokkaido Autumn Salmon with two pieces of salmon sandwiched with a layer of Hokkaido cheese – thick, moist and tender.

My favourite part is the renkon chips of lotus root fried, which adds that layer of crunch.

10. Pickled Yuzu Radish
Few may talk about the sides, but I feel that the accompanying complimentary pickles to help to whet the appetite and bring out the flavours of the main better.

This radish has the refreshing taste of Yuzu citrus and a crunchy texture which is light and refreshing.

The New Hokkaido Autumn Seasonal Tendon with Cheese goes at only $17++, available from now to 16th December 2018 at all Kohaku Tendon outlets.

Kohaku Tendon – Suntec City
Eat At Seven, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-311 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6333 4386
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 4:00pm Last Order 3:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Kohaku Tendon – Chinatown Point
133 New Bridge Road #02-34 Singapore 059413
Tel: +65 6443 4355
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 4:00pm Last Order 3:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Kohaku Tendon at Boat Quay
64 Circular Rd, #01-01 Singapore 049418
Tel: +65 6221 8311
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 4pm; 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun

Kohaku Tendon within SORA Japan Gourmet Hall
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, 60 Airport Boulevard #036-058/059 Singapore 819643
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Kohaku Tendon.

The post Kohaku Tendon 天丼琥珀 – 1st Ever Hokkaido Autumn Tendon with Cheese in Singapore, Beautiful & Delicious appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Japan’s most popular and largest restaurant Mazesoba chain Menya Kokoro has arrived in Singapore, opening its first outlet at Suntec City Mall Level 3.

The first shop you see once you get to Eat At Seven.

The Japanese dry ramen brand has opened 27 outlets worldwide within a short number of years, including Japan, Indonesia, Spain, Thailand and Vancouver, and looks set to expand further.

The local store in Singapore is helmed by the founder Chef Takuma Ishikawa himself, who trained under the originator creators of Mazesoba, and once won the Best Mazesoba Award in Japan.

Therefore, you will be assured of the ‘Japanese-quality’.

With all that said, I won’t be surprised if some people may not know what “Mazesoba” is.

Singaporeans are typically fond of their tonkotsu-style ramen, and some may still be unfamiliar with Mazesoba. A friend described this as ”Japanese Bak Chor Mee”. He is not that wrong either.

Mazesoba, literally translated as “mixed noodles” is a type of broth-less ramen, particularly popular during the hotter summer months.

So even though there is “soba” in its name, the dish is technically “ramen”.

To me, the appeal in the noodles is about the mixture of all toppings and sauces. Even though there are many ingredients and so much going on, when all are mixed together, they create this complex but blended flavour with satisfying mouthfeel.

The five types of Mazesoba on Singapore’s menu range from the original Tokyo Maze-Soba, Cheese Maze-Soba, Curry Maze-Soba, Spicy Maze-Soba and Vegan-Maze-Soba, together with some Singapore-exclusive creations.

Here are some of the recommended items from Menya Kokoro Singapore:

Tokyo Maze-Soba ($10.80++)
This is the original flavour, made with the same secret recipe as Japan.

There is something about the noodles that is different. They are made using fibrous whole-wheat flour and purified water, said to be softer and more suitable for use in noodle-making. Accordingly, Singapore’s water is too ‘hard’, and using softer water helps the taste of the noodles to stay truer to its flavour.

One interesting thing I also noted that the noodles are cooked for a relatively extended time, at precisely 8 mins 40 seconds.

This is because the noodles are thicker (perhaps just slightly thinner than udon), and needs to be cooked that long to create that chewy texture.

Each bowl has a lot of ‘liao’ and contains up to 12 ingredients, which includes minced meat sauce, ground saba fish, nori (seaweed), green onions, chives, bamboo shoots, fragrant chopped garlic and poached egg. You can also include Japanese-style slow-braised chashu at an additional $2.50.

Give the bowl a good mix and toss before consumption.

The most appealing part is the richly favoured minced meat sauce, slow-cooked Japanese-style with a secret recipe. This may remind some of ”Zha Jiang Noodles” with a hint of spice, with a good deal of crunch coming from the chopped vegetables.

Each Maze-Soba comes with a free small bowl of mushroom kombu-based soup (tasty!) and oimeshi – a small portion of Japanese rice you can add to the remaining sauce.

Spicy Maze-Soba ($11.80++)
Personally, this is my favourite bowl, but the spiciness is likely to divide people. Some of us shared this bowl – a couple enjoyed the kick, the shiokness which result in some sweat to break out.

There were others who thought this might have been too fiery for their liking.

And here I am, asking them to add more of those spicy oil. When the spices and meat sauce coat the noodles, the sensation was like having a good-old bowl of comforting Mapo-Tofu.

Melting Cheese Maze-Soba ($12.80++)
This is the Tokyo Maze-Soba with a layer of cheese, then torched for that smokiness.

I wasn’t that sure if the cheese really added that significant difference in terms of taste. It’s a ‘good-to-have’ but not a must-must.

Vegan Maze-Soba ($11.80++)
A vegan bowl that comes with a colourful medley of fresh vegetables such as corn, tomatoes, and shredded cucumber. The ‘meat’ you see is made of soy, and the girls in the group found this refreshing.

Maze-Don and Curry Maze-Don ($13.80++) – Singapore Exclusives
The Singapore exclusives uses 100% Japanese rice instead of noodles, and topped with Maze-Soba toppings.

Special rice flown straight in from Hokkaido and Niigata is used, polished only upon order to preserve the aroma. Known as the “King of Japanese Rice”, the fluffy short-grained rice is compatible with stronger and richer flavours like the Maze-Soba toppings.

Some people may find the typical Curry Donburi ‘boring’, so this version includes both succulent grilled chicken AND the minced meat sauce for fuller flavours.

A range of side dishes is also available on the menu, such as Gyoza ($4.80), Agadashi Tofu ($4.80), Lemon Chilli French Fries ($3.80), Truffle Fries ($3.80), Chicken Karaage ($4.80), Chashu Platter ($5.80) and Edamame ($4.80).

Chicken Wings ($4.80++)
Recommended are the Chicken Wings done Nagoya-style. That means the wings are deep-fried without batter to a crisp finish, basted with sweet-savoury sauce and coated with sesame seeds.

Addictive coating with juicy meat.

Chicken Karaage ($4.80++ for 4 pieces)
I described these as “chicken balls”. These are not the typical frozen then deep-fried type, but made from fresh chicken chunks marinated and rolled to a ball, then deep-fried.

Therefore, they are larger than usual and sufficiently moist.

Takoyaki ($4.80++)
The popular Osaka style street food comes with delicately thin crisp exterior, and soft creamy batter within those little round balls, drizzled with Japanese mayo and topped with bonito flakes.

Menya Kokoro
3 Temasek Boulevard # 03-313 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/menyakokorosg/

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kokoro.

The post Menya Kokoro – Japan’s Most Popular Mazesoba Chain Has Arrived In Singapore At Suntec City. Go For The Spicy Noodles appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

One would expect a Japanese eatery selling donburi to have a certain “look”, but Chirashi King Kong at Millenia Walk got more adventurous with neon lights, camo prints and Be@rbricks decorations.

I didn’t quite mind it, it feels young and energetic, which provides some contrast to the other more corporate-targetted cafes and restaurants at Millenia Walk.

This is Chirashi King Kong’s 2nd shop, the first being a more humble and obscure shop at the 2nd level of Tanjong Pagar Block 1.

Prices still remain affordable for office workers, with most of the items priced between $10.90 and $14.90.

With that said, there are a number of shops selling similar food in the vicinity, such as Teppei Syokudo and Rakuzen.

Popular choices at this small eatery include the Unagi Truffle ($12.90), Barachirashi ($14.90), Salmon Mentaiko ($10.90), Assorted Fish ($14.90) and Scallop Saikyoyaki ($12.90).

There is also the recommended King Kong Bowl ($15.90) which is primary topped with Toro – with both sliced and minced versions of the fatty tuna in the same bowl, Negitoro, and Ikura.

But the star is truly the Truffled Mentaiko Rice beath, fluffy with the right amount of seasoning, and that whiff of truffle oil without being overpowering.

I also ordered a Sashimi Salad ($9.90) included with diced salmon, tuna and swordfish sashimi, and generous serving of flying fish roe for its price. It was a straight-forward, standard bowl, though there is a little part of me who wished there was more to fill fuller.

Just a little suggestion: Since they are called “Chirashi King Kong”, perhaps they can really explore a bigger portion and sized bowl. I think people are willing to pay slightly more for good quality fish.

Chirashi King Kong
Millenia Walk 9 Raffles Boulevard #02-17 Singapore 039596

Other Related Entries
Monster Curry (Downtown Gallery)
Yuzutei (Pasir Panjang)
Genki Sushi (Junction 8)
Kei Kaisendon (Novena Square)
Umi Nami (Holland Village)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Chirashi King Kong – Inexpensive Japanese Donburi With Truffle-Infused Rice, At Millenia Walk appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

This is for the Donburi-lovers.

Not just one or two, Kogane Yama known for its Tempura Donburi aka Tendon, has introduced 9 NEW Japanese rice bowls at both its Bugis Junction (#02-50) and Jem (#01-15) outlets.

(Click PLAY for highlights of Kogane Yama)

Kogane Yama, which name means “golden mountain” in Japanese, initially starting serving tempura piled up like a mini-mountain on rice bowls.

It has expanded its menu to cater to customers who would enjoy a greater variety and more options, especially for regulars.

I love that there are a couple of salad choices now, such as the Salmon Avo Kani Salad ($11.90) with crisp mixed greens, salmon sashimi, crabstick, avocado, cherry tomatoes and ponzu dressing.

Another reason is that they have a new Japanese Head Chef who has designed part of the menu (also look out for a new exciting Japanese restaurant in the works).

The other good news is, the group has brought down the pricing, so nothing is above $15 now.

For example, the Tendon Vegetable Bowl now costs $9.80, and the Tendon Mixed Bowl is brought down to $13.80 (from the previous $15.80). You may wonder if anything is changed, but rest assured that the ingredients and portion remain the same.

Here are the 9 NEW Donburi from Kogane Yama:

1. Bara Chirashi Don – Assorted ($14.90), Salmon only
The classic Bara Chirashi don with diced raw salmon, tuna, swordfish, surf clam, steamed prawn, ikura (salmon roe), tobiko (flying fish roe), cucumber and tamago (Japanese omelette) on a bed of sushi rice.

The base used is of premium Koshihikari short-grain rice, fluffy and has a natural sweet taste.

Compared to some of the other brands which are more heavily seasoned, Kogane Yama’s version allows the natural-taste of the sashimi and other ingredients to come through. Depends on what you prefer.

If you like all things truffle, choose to add on truffle oil (+$1) for that added aroma as you mix the cubed fish throughout.

There is also a Salmon-only version with cucumber and tamago,

2. Aburi Salmon Mentai Don ($11.90)
Compared to the Bara Chirashi, this will appeal to those who love more flavours such as the spiciness of cod roe, along with that creamy mouth-feel.

What you get include cubed salmon pieces which would be ‘aburi-ed’ (flame seared), added with torched mentaiko-mayonnaise sauce, added with tobiko, cucumber and tamago.

The part I enjoyed was also those crispy bits of tempura crumbs added, which made a good-contrast with the velvetiness of the other toppings.

3. Salmon Ikura Don ($13.90)
This comes with a bowl of sushi rice in the middle, draped with slices of fresh salmon sashimi, then topped with brilliant orange balls of ikura.

For the salmon purists.

4. Salmon Teriyaki Don ($11.90)
For the protein lovers, this is a bowl of hearty grilled salmon fillet cooked with robust teriyaki sauce, accompanied with greens of broccoli. I did wish there was more sauce going on.

Another highlight is the flavoured, soft-centred Hanjuku egg.

5. Unagi Avocado Don ($14.90)
Japanese Eel has become the trendy food of late, leading to this bowl of grilled unagi in sweet-savoury sauce, with slices of buttery avocado on sushi rice.

Mix in the onsen-tamago which will create this silky consistency in the rice.

6. Unagi Tugi Don ($13.90)
Between the two NEW Unagi rice bowls, I preferred this due to the addition of tamago toji in which the eel is cooked with soft-scrambled eggs and onion, which creates this warm, fuzzy feeling.

Especially when you have this during one of the colder days.

7. Katsu Don Chicken ($9.90), Pork ($10.90)
Choose between deep-fried crispy chicken or pork fillet for this well-loved classic of Katsu Don.

8. Pork Belly Shogayaki Don ($10.90)
“Shoga” means ginger, while yaki refers to grilling or frying. Do you know that “shogayaki” is the second most popular pork dish in Japan after Tonkatsu?

This consists of thin slices of pork belly browned in the pan, then stir-fried with enoki mushrooms and ginger sauce.

Served simply with rice and onsen egg, this makes a flavourful, comforting dish that may just remind you of (a Japanese) mum’s cooking.

9. Tori Karaage Don ($9.90)
I suspect that this will be the bowl most popular with youths and children. The karaage chicken chunks are rather large and succulent, tastier when it has absorbed some of the sauce.

Tendon (New pricing: Mixed Bowl ($13.80), Chicken Bowl ($11.80), Prawn Bowl ($11.80), Vegetable Bowl ($9.80)
Kogane Yama’s signature bowl of Tendon offers options of Mixed, Chicken, Prawn and Vegetable.

All options include an identical assortment of vegetable tempura; lotus root, long beans, carrot, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, sweet potato and seaweed – deep fried in an aromatic mix of deep-soybean and sesame oil.

I would say just go for the Mixed Bowl, which includes chicken, prawn, along with the vegetables.

Customise the bowl with a choice of house-made blend, available in non-spicy and spicy levels 1, 2 and 3.

All tendon and donburi can be made into a set by topping up just $2.50 for homemade Chawanmushi ($2) and a bowl of Miso Soup ($1.50).

Kogane Yama Promo
Get 50% OFF every second Tendon or Donburi till 28 Oct 2018.

Terms & Conditions
• Valid for dine-in all-day till 28 October 2018 at Kogane Yama Bugis Junction and Jem.
• Discount will apply to the lower-priced item(s) ordered.
• Tendon must be ordered with rice as a base to qualify for this promotion.
• Flash this post on Kogane Yama’s Facebook to redeem.
• This offer cannot be stacked in conjunction with any other discount or promotion.

Also quote “DFD Donburi” to enjoy a FREE Chawanmushi and Miso Soup with every order of a Tendon or Donburi. Valid from 29 Oct (Mon) to 11 Nov (Sun), for dine-in customers only.

Kogane Yama – Jem
Jem #01-15, 50 Jurong Gateway Road, Singapore 608549
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm Last order at 9.30pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 11pm Last Order 10.30pm (Sat – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/koganeyamasingapore

Kogane Yama – Bugis Junction
Bugis Junction #02-50, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Last order 9.30pm (Mon – Fri), 11am-11pm Last Order 10.30pm (Sat – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Kogane Yama.

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